guideline - ndmc

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GUIDELINE

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MINIMUM INFRASTRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT CENTRES

Prepared by:

Directorate: Policy Development and Regulatory

Frameworks

1 April 2017

Version 1.1

Guideline

Minimum Infrastructural Requirements for Disaster Management Centres

Version 1.1 – 1 April 2017

Version Control

Version Version 1.1

File number 21/1/1 (Guidelines)

Short description Guide to provide information on the minimum physical

infrastructure requirements for a Disaster

Management Centre.

Relevant to Disaster management officials in the three spheres of

government

Authority This procedure has been approved by the Head:

National Disaster Management Centre in terms of

Section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2002

read with Sections 15(d) and 22(a).

Responsible officer Director: Policy Development & Regulatory

Frameworks

Responsible Chief

Directorate

Policy and Legislative Management

Date introduced 1 April 2017

Date(s) modified First Issue

Next scheduled review date 31 March 2019

Related documents None

Related legislation Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002)

National Disaster Management Framework, 2005

Key words Guideline, Procedure, Disaster Management,

National Disaster Management Centre, NDMC,

NDMF, Best Practice Guide, Disaster Management

Centre, Disaster Operations Centre, Central

Communication Centre, Information Technology and

Communication System

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Acknowledgements

Many individuals participated in the process to prepare this guideline. Appreciation

goes to all those who have given their time and inputs in this regard. The National

Disaster Management Centre would specifically like to acknowledge the following

individuals and organisations for their contributions.

Ms Ane Bruwer National Disaster Management Centre

Mr Jurgens Dyssel National Disaster Management Centre

Ms Prudence Dlamini National Disaster Management Centre

Ms Benedetta Gualandi OXFAM

Mr. Hannes Steyn Mopani District Municipality

Ms. Lindokuhle Ngubane Gauteng PDMC

Ms Lavenia Nicholson Western Cape PDMC

Mr. Prince Morare Bojanala District Muncipality

Mr Shane Brown Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan

Mr. Wilfred Mkhwanazi City of Ethekwini Metropolitan

Ms Erna Wiese Department of Public Works

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Contents

Acronyms ................................................................................................................... 5

Definitions .................................................................................................................. 6

Interrelation / compatibility with other guidelines ........................................................ 7

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 8

2. Purpose of this guideline ..................................................................................... 8

3. Scope .................................................................................................................. 8

4. How to use this guideline .................................................................................... 9

5. Minimum Infrastructure Requirements ................................................................ 9

5.1 Physical infrastructure characteristics .................................................................. 9

5.2 Physical location ................................................................................................ 11

5.3 Minimum DMC facilities ..................................................................................... 13

5.3.1 Disaster Operations Centre .................................................................. 13

5.3.2 Central Communications Centre ........................................................... 15

5.3.3 Administrative offices ............................................................................ 16

5.3.4 Training, Media and Public Information Centre .................................... 17

5.3.5 Information Technology and Communication system .......................... 18

5.3.6 Security and Parking facilities .............................................................. 21

5.3.7 Open area ............................................................................................. 22

5.4 Supporting facilties ............................................................................................. 22

6. Design standards and considerations ............................................................... 23

7. Recommendations ............................................................................................ 24

8. Approval ............................................................................................................ 25

9. List of References ............................................................................................. 26

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Acronyms

COC Central Communication Centre

CCTV Closed Circuit Television

DMA Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002)

DMC Disaster Management Centre

DMC’s Disaster Management Centres

DMP Disaster Management Plan

DOC Disaster Operations Centre

GIS Geographic Information System

NDMC National Disaster Management Centre

NDMF National Disaster Management Framework, 2005

MMS Multimedia Messaging Service

SANS South African National Standards

SMS Short Messaging Service

T.V’s Televisions

USB/2 Universal Service Bus 2

UPS Uninterruptable Power Supply

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Definitions

The following words and expressions will, unless the context otherwise requires, or

the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002), or National Disaster

Management Framework, 2005 otherwise provides, have the meanings thereby

assigned to them namely―

‘Assimilate’, means to take in, absorb and integrate information to fully understand

the context of concepts (Kavanagh, 2002: 65);

‘Disaster Management Centre’ means a Centre established in terms of Part 1 of

Chapter 3, Part 2 of Chapter 4 or Part 2 of Chapter 5 of the Disaster Management Act,

2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002);

‘Internalise’ means to make disaster management part of an organs of state’s

operations through learning, practicing and assimilation (adapted from Kavanagh,

2002: 602);

‘Interrogate’, means to ask questions of someone or something closely, or formally,

or to obtain data from a computer file, database, storage device, or terminal (adapted

from Kavanagh, 2002: 603);

‘Physical infrastructure’ means physical structures and facilities needed for the

operation of a disaster management Centre;

‘Well Maintained’ means the maintenance of the building namely regular painting,

repair work etc. as well as the maintenance of all equipment to ensure information

technology and communication systems operate optimally.

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Interrelation / compatibility with other guidelines

This guideline should be read in conjunction with the Disaster Management Act, 2002

(Act No. 57 of 2002), the National Disaster Management Framework, 2005, the

applicable South African National Standards, other relevant legislation and the South

African Disaster Risk Management Handbook Series1.

Furthermore, it should also be read in conjunction with the organisational business

continuity plan(s) and applicable policies of the respective organ of state. Existing

memoranda of understanding between provincial, metropolitan, district and local

municipalities with regard to the disaster management centres should also be

considered.

This guideline also interrelates with the Guideline for Conducting Comprehensive

Disaster Risk Assessments, Part 1: Hazard Identification, Analysis and Prioritisation

issued2 by the National Disaster Management Centre on 25 October 2016.

.

1 The DMHS can be downloaded from www.ndmc.gov.za 2 Government Gazette No. 40393 GN 1363 on 2 November 2016

http://www.ndmc.gov.za/

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1. Introduction

The Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No. 57 of 2002) (DMA) places a legal

obligation3 on national, provincial and local4 government to establish Disaster

Management Centre’s (DMC’s), each with similar powers and duties5, to integrate and

coordinate a system of disaster management within and across the spheres of

government.

The DMA, in Section 15, assigns various powers and duties to the National Disaster

Management Centre (NDMC) which, amongst others, includes not only advisory and

consultative functions, but also, in Section 22, the power to give guidance and advice

to stakeholders with regards to disaster management.

2. Purpose of this guideline

This guideline, developed in terms of paragraph 1.5 of the National Disaster

Management Framework, 2005 (NDMF) read with paragraph 1.2.2.2, sets out the

minimum physical infrastructure requirements of a DMC, a satellite DMC and disaster

related support Centre’s.

3. Scope

This guideline provides guidance on the minimum physical infrastructure requirements

for a DMC to effectively implement its legislated mandate.

3 See sections 8, 29, and 43 4 Metropolitan and District Municipalities 5 See sections 15, 30 and 44

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In this regard, this guideline provides information for the minimum infrastructure

characteristics of a DMC; the physical location of the DMC; the minimum physical

facilities of a DMC; the supporting facilities to be available to a DMC; and the design

standards and considerations.

It is important to note that this guideline is not intended to be a ‘paint by number’

solution nor is it to be construed as a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Organs of state

enjoined to establish a DMC must therefore interrogate, assimilate and internalize the

concepts put forward by this guideline and the NDMF to enable them to identify the

minimum infrastructure requirements applicable to their specific functional

environment.

4. How to use this guideline

This guideline recognises that the respective DMC’s established across the spheres

of government is in different stages of development and functional maturity. As such

this guideline may be used in two ways. Firstly, as an audit tool to assess the existing

facilities at the disposal of a DMC to determine its baseline infrastructure and improve

that where needed, and secondly as an instrument to assist with the redesign of an

existing DMC should the need therefore be identified.

5. Minimum Infrastructure Requirements

5.1 Physical infrastructure characteristics

DMCs are essential for the effective execution of the disaster management mandate.

An assessment of a DMC shall consider the following characteristics in determining

the needs and functionality.

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a) Flexibility – in that operations must be scalable and the operational space

adaptable to the disastrous event e.g., have sufficient space, equipment,

furniture6, administrative supplies, telecommunications, computer support,

etc., available to implement the applicable disaster management

contingency plan(s) in a coordinated way amongst the stakeholders.

b) Sustainability – to support operations for an extended duration; e.g., be

able to sustain operations for five consecutive 24-hours days during all

emergency situations without interruption, including generators, UPS

solutions for uninterrupted power supply, water supply etc.

c) Security – to guard against potential risks and protect operations from the

unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information e.g., have

sufficient security and structural integrity to protect the facility, its occupants,

and communications equipment and systems from relevant threats and

hazards.

d) Survivability – to withstand the effects of a realized risk so as to continue

with operations from the DMC, or from a fully-capable alternate location,

e.g., have an alternate DMC that can be activated and used if the primary

facility is destroyed, damaged, or not accessible.

e) Interoperability – to share common principles of operations, exchange

routine and time-sensitive information with other DMCs, e.g., be able to

communicate with Satellite DMCs where established, disaster related

support centres, emergency response teams at or near an incident site, etc.

6 Ergonomics should be taken into consideration when procuring furniture. Furniture must be designed

to ensure that officials can work comfortably for long periods of time.

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5.2 Physical location

A DMC must be located in an area that will minimise its exposure to any known risks.

The following factors should be taken into consideration when selecting a site for a

DMC.

a) Natural environment risk exposure - The DMC should for instance not be

located within the 100-year flood line; or where landslip/landslides or

subsidence may occur. The guideline for Conducting Comprehensive Disaster

Risk Assessments, Part 1: Hazard Identification, Analysis and Prioritisation

issued7 by the NDMC on 25 October 2016 should be used to assess the current

or potential DMC site.

b) Proximity to high risk sites - The DMC should not be located within close

proximity to,

(i) polluting sites;

(ii) bulk hazardous materials storage sites;

(iii) bulk fuel re-filling or storage stations;

(iv) bulk chemical manufacturing facilities;

(v) power stations, high voltage distribution lines or electricity distribution

facilities;

(vi) refineries etc.

c) Past, present and future land use - The DMC should not be located on sites

where past shallow underground mining occurred; or where old landfill sites

were located; or within densely populated areas; or close to heavy industrial

zones; or where new land use plans includes zoning for high risk sites etc.

7 Government Gazette No. 40393 GN 1363 on 2 November 2016

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d) Distances to DMCs - The DMC should not be located in proximity to other

DMC’s in the functional area so as to avoid concurrent loss or disruption by the

same disastrous occurrence.

e) Travel duration - The DMC should be located within a reasonable travelling

duration of other entities and residential areas to enable stakeholders and staff

to travel to the facility using various modes of transport (public and private).

f) Availability of communication networks - The DMC should be located in an

area where the current terrestrial network(s) installed, enables the information

and communications services. The ability (or impediments) to transmit two-way

radio signals to and from the site must also be considered.

g) Access roads to the DMC - The DMC should be located so that disastrous

occurrences that may occur, do not block access to the site. Paved roads are

preferable to unpaved roads.

h) Disruptions to utility services - The DMC should be located on a site where

present and future power, water and sanitation interruptions is unlikely to occur.

Sanitation disruption(s) analysis should include backflow in the sewer system

due to flooding that occurs elsewhere.

i) Local crime rates - The DMC should be located in a low crime area. Unsafe

areas may lead to security breaches or operational disruptions.

j) Existing neighbouring tenants - The DMC should be located away from

neighbouring tenants that may pose as sources of disruption. These tenants

may be targets for radicals, demonstrators or protestors which may disrupt the

DMC operations.

k) Co-tenancy or sharing a premises - The DMC should as far as possible not

be a co-tenant of a building or share a premises unless the facility provides

central security services to all tenants equally. The security arrangements must

be under the control of the DMC.

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l) Site longevity - The DMC should, especially if the site is government-owned,

be located on a site that has longer term viability at its core as the investment

in the physical infrastructure requires significant fiscal resources.

5.3 Minimum DMC facilities

A DMC must at least have the following well maintained facilities to operate effectively.

5.3.1 Disaster Operations Centre (DOC).

5.3.2 Central Communications Centre (COC).

5.3.3 Training, Media and Public Information Centre.

5.3.4 Administrative offices.

5.3.5 Information Technology and Communication System.

5.3.6 Security and parking.

5.3.7 Open area.

5.3.1 Disaster Operations Centre

(a) The DOC is a dedicated facility located within the DMC and must be capable of

accommodating any combination of emergency and essential services’

representatives, including all relevant role players and stakeholders identified

in response and recovery plans for the purpose of multidisciplinary strategic

management of response and recovery operations, when a local, provincial or

national disaster occurs or is threatening to occur. All disaster management

response and relief activities are supported, coordinated and executed from the

DOC.

(b) The DOC has the following minimum requirements.

(i) Functionality - The DOC must have strategic and tactical rooms which

are preferably separated from each other. The strategic room or

boardroom may have dual functionality in terms of providing a venue for

other disaster management meetings with stakeholders, strategic

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planning, and other related multi-party disaster management activities8.

The tactical section is a dedicated facility equipped to facilitate the

operational activities by the respective stakeholders during response

operations.

(ii) Size – The size and facilities of the DOC should be appropriate to

comfortably accommodate the multidisciplinary strategic management

and tactical coordination of response and recovery operations when

disasters occur or are threatening to occur, or when a neighbouring event

poses a threat to the jurisdictional area. There should be sufficient private

caucus rooms to facilitate bilateral discussions between the parties

deployed in the DOC.

(iii) Equipment - The DOC must be equipped with the sufficient furniture,

technology and audio-visual equipment e.g. smart televisions (T.V’s),

voice recording facilities9, telephones, computers, fax machines, photo

copiers, printers, document scanners, shredders, wall charts, white

boards, public address systems etc. to facilitate intergovernmental

coordination. The facility must be air-conditioned.

(iv) Power and amenities - The DOC must have an uninterruptible power

supply (UPS) and adequate and compatible computer hardware, software

and ancillary equipment to enable ready and easy access to information,

including geographic information system (GIS) data and resource data. It

must also provide ready access to the Internet and e-mail, Short

Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)

facilities etc. There should be adequate power outlets located strategically

around the DOC for easy connectivity for laptops including Universal

Service Bus 2 (USB/2) prong plugs outlets for charging of cell phones and

other devices.

8 These activities may include meetings of the disaster management advisory forum, technical task teams established by the DMC, intergovernmental relations forums etc. 9 Must be able to record all incoming and outgoing telephonic and radio communications

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5.3.2 Central Communications Centre

(i) The COC is a dedicated facility located within the DMC and must be capable of

accommodating any combination of early warning specialists10 to develop,

identify, monitor, react to, report, communicate and disseminate early warnings.

(ii) The COC is also responsible for establishing, developing, and maintaining a

24-hour effective communications system and operational call centre for

reporting purposes as well as co-ordinating the activation of stakeholders to

respond to significant events and disasters.

(c) The COC has the following minimum requirements.

(i) Functionality - The COC must develop, identify, monitor, react to, report,

communicate and disseminate early warnings. The COC must also serve

as the central reporting and call-taking point where stakeholders may

report a significant event and or disastrous occurrence. The COC must

further provide communities with mechanisms for obtaining access to

assistance in the event of an emergency. The COC must also be able to

provide the public with basic disaster management information.

(i) Size – The size and facilities of the COC should be appropriate to

comfortably accommodate the officials staffing the COC. There should be

private caucus rooms to facilitate bilateral discussions between parties

deployed in the COC.

(ii) Equipment - The COC must be equipped with the sufficient furniture,

technology and audio-visual equipment e.g. smart T.V’s, voice recording

facilities11, telephones, computers, fax machines, photo copiers,

printers12, document scanners, shredders, wall charts, white boards etc.

to facilitate the functional responsibilities. The facility must be air-

conditioned and may house the data centre (server room).

10 May include officials of other organs of state seconded to the DMC 11 Must be able to record all incoming and outgoing telephonic and radio communications 12 Large scale printers up to A0 size

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(iii) Power and amenities - The COC must have an UPS and adequate

compatible computer hardware, software and ancillary equipment to

enable ready and easy access to information, including GIS data,

resource data and a spatial software suite to aid cartographic operations.

It must also provide ready access to the Internet and e-mail, SMS and

MMS facilities etc. There should be adequate power outlets located

strategically around the COC for easy connectivity for laptops including

USB/2 prong plugs outlets for charging of cell phones and other devices.

5.3.3 Administrative offices

(a) The administrative offices are a dedicated facility located within the DMC. The

offices should have adequate furnishings, equipment and the necessary

administrative technology applications13 to enable the Head of the Centre and

all DMC staff to execute their duties.

(b) The administrative offices have the following minimum requirements.

(i) Functionality – The administrative offices functions as the core

component from which the implementation of the disaster management

programme is managed14.

(ii) Size – The size and facilities of the administrative offices should be

appropriate to comfortably accommodate the Head of the Centre and the

staff of the DMC. There must be a reception or receiving area,

appropriately equipped to receive visitors. There should also be a

stationary store room as well as a document archive. There should be

sufficient private caucus rooms, of various sizes, to facilitate meetings.

13 Program(s) designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in most cases, for another application program. Examples of applications include word processors, database programs, Web browsers, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and communication programs etc. 14 Planning, Organising, Staffing, Directing, and Controlling.

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(iii) Equipment - The administrative offices must be equipped with the

relevant technology as well as audio-visual equipment, adequate

telephones, printers, computers, fax machines, photo copiers, document

scanners, shredders, wall charts, white boards etc. to facilitate the

functional responsibilities of the DMC.

(iv) Power and amenities - The administrative offices must have an UPS and

adequate and compatible computer hardware, software and ancillary

equipment to enable ready and easy access to information, including GIS

data and resource data. It must also provide ready access to the Internet

and e-mail etc. There should be adequate power outlets located

strategically around the offices for easy connectivity for laptops including

USB/2 prong plugs outlets for charging of cell phones and other devices.

5.3.4 Training, Media and Public Information Centre

(a) The Training, Media and Public Information Centre is a dedicated facility which

may be located within the DMC. The offices should have adequate furnishings,

equipment and the necessary administrative technology applications15 to

enable the staff to execute their duties.

(b) The Training, Media and Public Information Centre have the following minimum

requirements.

(i) Functionality – The Training, Media and Public Information Centre is

responsible for promoting the recruitment, training and capacity building

of volunteers and other role players across the sphere of government, the

private sector and civil society. It is also responsible for establishing and

15 Program(s) designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in most cases, for another application program. Examples of applications include word processors, database programs, Web browsers, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and communication programs etc.

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maintaining capacity and capabilities for knowledge management for the

purpose of disaster management. This includes the development and

implementation of an integrated public awareness strategy for the organ

of state. The Training, Media and Public Information Centre also provides

an environment or mechanism to conduct effective media relations and

communications in order to provide the public with information.

(ii) Size – The size and facilities of the Training, Media and Public Information

Centre should be scalable and may be interchangeable. It should be

located in the same facility to conduct training sessions, media briefings

or public information sessions. There must be a reception or receiving

area, appropriately equipped to receive visitors. Attached to the Centre,

or in close proximity thereof, must be an appropriately resourced room to

serve as a library and research centre.

(iii) Equipment - The Training, Media and Public Information Centre must be

equipped with the relevant technology, audio-visual equipment, a public

address system, voice recording facilities, audio-visual aids etc. to

facilitate the functional responsibilities of the Training, Media and Public

Information Centre.

(iv) Power and amenities - The Training, Media and Public Information

Centre must have adequate and compatible computer hardware, software

and ancillary equipment to enable ready and easy access to information.

There should be adequate power outlets located strategically around the

offices for easy connectivity for laptops including USB/2 prong plugs

outlets for charging of cell phones and other devices.

5.3.5 Information Technology and Communication system

(a) The information technology and communication system of the DMC should be

housed onsite in a dedicated server room16.

16 The server room must be designed and built according to the applicable SANS standards.

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(b) The components of the information technology and communication system

must be able to fulfil the requirements of Sections 16 and 17 of the DMA, and

Enabler 1 of the NDMF. It has the following minimum requirements.

(i) Hardware – This category refers to all the hardware needed by the DMC

to perform its functions. This includes smart T.V’s, voice recorders,

telephones, computers, fax machines, photo copiers, printers, document

scanners, shredders, public address systems, servers, network cables,

routers, cabling, trunking, etc.

(ii) Software – This category refers to all the software programs needed by

the DMC to perform its functions. This includes applications such as word

processors, spreadsheets, database programs, e-mail programs, Web

browsers, development tools, drawing tools, paint tools, image editing

programs, GIS, communication programs, etc.

(iii) Data or databases- This category refers to all the raw qualitative and

quantitative information obtained by or provided to the DMC for storage,

processing and analysis to produce useful disaster management

information.

(iv) Networks - This category refers to all the computer networks17 and data

links needed to allow computer nodes to share resources or to

communicate. Access to reliable high speed internet using more than

one connection type18 is a key component.

(v) Policies and Procedures - This category refers to the rules governing

the information technology and communication system within the DMC.

It relates to the policies and procedures needed for,

17 Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Internet etc. 18 Wireless; Mobile; Digital Subscriber Line; Cable TV lines; fibre optic Integrated Services Digital Network; Satellite etc.

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a. purchasing hardware policy which includes procedures for server

systems, desktops, portable computer systems, computer

peripherals, mobile telephones, etc.

b. purchasing software policy which includes procedures for

requesting software, purchase software, obtaining open source or

freeware software, etc.

c. using software policy which includes procedures for software

licencing, software installation, usage, etc.

d. using personal devices policy which includes procedures for

registration of personal devices for business use, keeping personal

devices secure, caching information on personal devices, etc.

e. a security policy which includes procedures for physical security of

servers and devices, information security, antivirus systems, the

need for passwords and unique technology access codes, etc.

f. an administration policy which includes procedures for listing

administration rights, etc.

g. the Website policy which includes procedures for maintaining the

Website register, website content, etc.

h. the electronic transactions policy which includes procedures for

facilitating electronic fund transfers, electronic purchasing,

electronic signatures and approvals, etc.

i. an information technology service agreements policy which

includes procedures for service agreements that may be entered

into, etc.

j. an emergency management of information policy which includes

procedures for data backup and recovery, hardware failure, service

interruptions, virus or security breaches, Website disruptions, etc.

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(vi) People - This category refers to the information technology and

communication specialists and technicians needed to establish, maintain

and operate the information technology and communication system.

5.3.6 Security and Parking facilities

(a) For the DMC to operate effectively, it must have adequate facilities to ensure

that security is maintained and adequate parking is provided for staff, visitors

and deployed stakeholders.

(b) The security facilities have the following minimum requirements.

(i) Good perimeter security should be maintained around the entire

perimeter of the DMC by means of a boundary wall, palisade, welded

mesh or vertical bar fence which is at least 6-foot high.

(ii) Access control to the premises must be maintained and should not be

universal in nature. Only authorised persons, with separate

authorisation, should have access to sensitive areas such as the server

room, utility entry points, plant rooms, the DOC, the COC, the

administrative offices etc.

(iii) Lighting on the boundary perimeter and the grounds should be

considered.

(iv) Additional security features should be considered for the peripheral

physical infrastructure (e.g. the generator, fuel tanks, UPS, fire

suppressant cylinders, utility entry points, chillers, air intakes etc.).

(v) Security around delivery areas, windows that can be opened and the fire

escape routes should receive special attention.

(vi) Consideration should be given to installing monitored closed circuit

television (CCTV) to external areas and within the server room. Motion-

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activated CCTV can be particularly helpful in ensuring the CCTV

operators’ attention.

(c) The parking facilities have the following minimum requirements.

(i) Adequate parking away from the building must be provided for visitors

and deployed stakeholders.

(ii) Staff parking should be separated from the visitors’ parking.

(iii) Visitors and staff should not be allowed to park in the basement of the

building unless the basement is fire sprinkler protected.

(iv) Lock-up garages should be the preferred option to park official disaster

management vehicles.

5.3.7 Open area

The DMC must be located on a site with a large open area. This area should have a

hard level surface and be away from any obstacles. It can be used, as the need arise,

as a spill-over parking, a site to locate temporary rehabilitation quarters for staff during

ongoing operations of the DOC, as a helicopter landing pad etc.

5.4 Supporting facilties

Provision must be made within the DMC for the following support facilities.

a) Ablution facilities, including showers.

b) A fully equipped kitchen that can be used to cater for operations during

ongoing operations of the DOC.

c) A recreational area.

d) Sufficient space to store relief material and other goods.

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6. Design standards and considerations

a) Building standards - The facility must be designed and built to comply with

the national building legislation, issued in terms of the National Building

Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No. 103 of 1977).

b) Design considerations – The following factors should be taken into

consideration when (re)designing a facility.

(i) If not already in place, the facility must support the addition of high

voltage power supplies, transformers, switchgear and an UPS.

(ii) An emergency electrical power generator must be provided which is

large enough to power the DMC and all its installed facilities (heating

ventilation air-conditioning system, telephones, electronic office

equipment, essential lights, radios, elevator, computer systems, etc.)

unassisted for at least 12 hours without refuelling being required. It must

be permanently wired to the DMC with an automatic start and transfer

system. It should be located on the premises but placed in such a

position that the noise or fumes generated for its operation do not

interfere with the operational functioning of the DMC.

(iii) Wherever possible, all necessary water-bearing pipe-work should be

located outside of the computer equipment rooms.

(iv) Doors and access routes within the building must be of sufficient size

and capacity to support the installation and maintenance of equipment.

(v) Lightning and surge protection should be provided.

(vi) Tack mats must be provided at entry points.

(vii) Easy-clean and low maintenance materials must be used for the interior

and exterior finishing.

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(c) The DOC; COC; Training, Media and Public Information Centre; and the open

plan offices shall be treated acoustically.

(d) The position of sleeping accommodation (where needed) should be considered

in relation to the noisy operational areas of the DMC.

(e) Ablutions shall be provided in accordance with South African National Standard

(SANS) 10400, Part P.

(f) The DOC must be accessible to disabled persons in accordance with SANS

10400, Part S.

(g) Sustainability principles such as water storage and solar power should be

considered.

(h) The design must take ergonomics principles into account to provide for a work

space that is less stressful even during longer working hours.

.

7. Recommendations

It is recommended that all organs of state across the spheres of government, enjoined

by the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act 57 of 2002) and the National Disaster

Management Framework, 2005 to establish a Disaster Management Centre, have

regard and consider this guideline.

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8. Approval

Mr Jurgens Dyssel

Director: Policy Development and Regulatory Frameworks

Date:

Ms Ane Bruwer

Chief Director: Policy and Legislation Management

Date:

Dr Mmaphaka Tau

Deputy Director-General (Head): National Disaster Management Centre

Date:

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9. List of References

SA. see SOUTH AFRICA.

SOUTH AFRICA. 2002. Disaster Management Act No. 57 of 2002. Cape Town:

Government Printers.

SOUTH AFRICA. Department of Provincial and Local Government. 2005. National

Disaster Management Framework. Pretoria: Government Printer.

SOUTH AFRICA Disaster Risk Management Handbook Series: Handbook 2: Pat Reid:

May 2008

SOUTH AFRICA. 1977. National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act No.

103 of 1977. Cape Town: Government Printers.

UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY DISASTER REDUCTION

(UNISDR). 2005. Hyogo Framework of Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of

Nations and Communities to Disasters. Geneva: UNISDR.

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Jurgens Dyssel

Director: Policy Development and Regulatory Frameworks

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mailto:[email protected]

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